Akwa Ibom @39: Eno Calls for Peace, Unity, Warns Against Ethnic Division

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called for continued peace and unity across the state, warning socio-cultural, socio-political and other groups against using their platforms to promote ethnic tension, rivalry and division.
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The governor gave the warning on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during a special interdenominational service held at the International Christian Worship Center, Uyo, as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.

Eno said his administration would not allow any group to undermine the peace and unity of the state, stressing that groups that flout the warning could be disbanded.
He described peace, unity and brotherhood as among the most important achievements the state must protect.

“Of all the achievements we have recorded in this State, there is one of them that must not be taken for granted. It is called peace. Our peace is priceless, our unity is priceless, and brotherhood is priceless. Let us protect them.”

The governor said political, ethnic and religious differences should not become sources of hatred or division among the people.
He added: “Political differences must never become personal hatred, ethnic differences must never become division, and religious differences must never become hostility.

“We may disagree and still love one another. We may belong to different political parties and still belong to one Akwa Ibom; because when the politics is over, Akwa Ibom would remain. When political office would change hands in 2031, Akwa Ibom would still remain.
“Therefore, let’s put our State above our temporary differences.”

Eno also appealed to socio-cultural and socio-political organisations to use their platforms to promote unity, peace and development rather than division.

The governor further addressed claims concerning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stating that he had never reported anyone to the anti-graft agency since assuming office.

“I want to say on this altar of the living God that since I got into governance, I have not reported one soul to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, not one, and I don’t intend to do so because there is nothing to report,” he said.

Eno urged political actors to tone down their rhetoric and concentrate on issues affecting the development and future of Akwa Ibom.
He also defended his decision to pursue what he described as a progressive movement focused on enlightened state interests, saying it was a visionary step in view of the current political circumstances in the country.

Ahead of the forthcoming elections, the governor advised candidates and voters to recognise the sovereignty of God, stressing that political power ultimately belongs to God.
He thanked God for the journey of Akwa Ibom State over the past 39 years and acknowledged the contributions of past leaders to the state’s development.
Eno also commended stakeholders who had supported his administration in commissioning some of the 39 projects lined up for commissioning as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Bishop Abioye Preaches Thanksgiving
Speaking on the theme, “Preparation of Akwa Ibom for the Season of Milk and Honey with Thanksgiving,” drawn from Psalm 103:1-3, the Presiding Bishop of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Bishop David Abioye, said sincere thanksgiving to God could bring great wonders to individuals and communities.

Abioye described the 39th anniversary as significant because it provides an opportunity to prepare for the state’s 40th anniversary.
He identified inspiring vision, wise planning, continuous promotion of unity, stakeholder cooperation, working in the fear of God and love for God as key ingredients for achieving greater development.

The State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Christian Nyong, also thanked God for His blessings upon Akwa Ibom State and commended Governor Eno for his administration’s development efforts.
Nyong urged residents to maintain peace as the 2027 elections approach and encouraged political actors to play by the rules.
The service featured praise and worship sessions, choir ministrations, prayers and a Bible reading from Psalm 103:1-5, taken by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki.

Umo Eno

Those present included Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; former military head of state, Group Captain John Ebiye (rtd); Col. Yakubu Bako (rtd); Rev. Simeon Afolabi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Adviser to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; Lady Esitmbom Ekpo, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); Nigerian singer and trumpeter, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders; clergy; traditional rulers; captains of industry and other stakeholders.
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Nigeria Customs Honours Retiring Officers, Celebrates Outstanding Athletes in Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has honoured its retiring officers and celebrated athletes for their outstanding performance at the recently concluded Zone ‘A’ Inter-Command Competition.
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The Command hosted the special dinner on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, at Idiroko, Ogun State, bringing together representatives of sister agencies from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, traditional rulers, friends and other well-wishers.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Controller (DC) Oladapo Afeni, described the honourees as officers who demonstrated discipline, courage and commitment to serving a cause greater than themselves.

“To our retiring officers, tonight is about honouring a lifetime of duty, leadership and unyielding integrity. You have carried the weight of responsibility on your shoulders, guided younger generations and anchored this organisation through every season,” Afeni said.

The Acting CAC noted that the standards established by the retiring officers would continue to serve as a reference point for those still in active service. He also encouraged the retirees to embrace their transition from active service as an opportunity to explore new experiences and devote more quality time to their families and loved ones.

Nigeria Customs

The retiring officers expressed appreciation to the Command for organising the event and recognising their years of service and dedication. Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Hafiz Badre, encouraged serving officers to uphold professionalism and dedication as they discharge their responsibilities.

The dinner also provided an opportunity to recognise athletes of the Command who excelled during the recently concluded Zone ‘A’ Inter-Command Competition, with their achievements celebrated as a reflection of discipline, teamwork and commitment.
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NAF Commissions 30-flat Residential Facility in Makurdi to Promote personnel welfare, Says Better Home, Stronger Force

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reinforced its commitment to personnel welfare and operational readiness with the commissioning of a newly completed 30-flat residential facility for married non-commissioned officers at NAF Base Makurdi.
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Commissioning the facility on 18 September 2026, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, DFS, stated that providing decent accommodation for personnel and their families is essential to building a focused, motivated and mission-ready force capable of meeting Nigeria’s security demands.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi, the CAS noted that the facility reflects the Service’s sustained investment in the wellbeing of its personnel. He emphasised that an airman provided with decent living conditions is better positioned to remain focused and fully committed to duty, as improved accommodation helps reduce domestic pressures while enhancing morale, productivity and operational effectiveness.

The 30-flat facility is expected to ease accommodation challenges and improve the quality of life of beneficiaries while contributing to NAF’s capacity to deliver airpower in support of national security objectives.

NAF Housing

The CAS urged personnel to maintain the facility responsibly, stressing that investments in welfare are not only about improving living conditions but are also critical to sustaining a professional, resilient and effective fighting force.
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